#0098
August 2020
PO Box 458, LEVIN 14 Tiro Tiro Road, LEVIN
Patron Chair Deputy Chair Secretary Treasurer Club Captain Branch Delegate Committee
Welfare Officer Custodian Groundspeople Spares Team
Library Archives Spark Editor Spark Distribution VIC Team
Tom Hayes Des St Clare desstclare@gmail.com John White Vacant horowhenua@vcc.org.nz Jackie Job jackiejob73@gmail.com Bruce Lawrie John White Derek Ransom Bob Barton Warren MacMillan John White Colin Brooks Peter Collins Winton Cleal
06 367 9445 0274 191412 06 368 3299
06 368 2565 04 293 6803 04 298 5458 06 368 1011 06 367 8216 06 362 6156 06 368 3299 04 298 5458 06 368 8656 04 293 3369 021 1784253 06 368 6891 06 368 5611 06 362 6156 06 364 7238
Andrew Judd Wayne Thrower Julia MacMillan Callum Farmer callumfarmer77@hotmail.com Rex Williams 06 367 0613 Mike Khull 06 363 5633 Bob Barton 06 367 8216 Jeff Fox 06 362 6013 Colin Brooks 04 298 5458 Robert Cammish 04 905 0772 Don McLaren 021 1172418 Pauline St Clare 0274 191412 Mark Gibson 021 1786335 gibbos2@outlook.com Bob Barton 06 367 8216 Verdon Heath, Ivan Horn, Jeff Fox, Mark Morgan and Mike Khull
Meeting Branch Night - 1st Wednesday of the month at 7 30 pm Committee Meeting - Last Wednesday of the month at 7 30 pm Working Bee - Saturday following Branch Night at 9 00 am Spare Parts - Open Saturday following Branch Night Club Bank Account No - 03 0667 0269227 00
Well the AGM has now passed and I thank you all for having the confidence in re-electing me as your Chairman of the Horowhenua Branch of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand. I accept the position with great honour and my promise to all the club members is that I will do my utmost to lead the club to the best of my ability. However, to achieve this I need your help and guidance so please if you think something is not right or could be done better or differently let me know. I will always take heed and respect the club members' feedback, suggestions, and advice. The AGM went well with the only changes being that Winton Cleal is now the Welfare Officer and will be looking after any new members. Verdon Heath has accepted the position of Assistant Club Captain, his expertise in arranging rallies and events is welcomed. Unfortunately, we do not have a Secretary and this is the most important position that must be filled. The committee cannot perform properly without a Secretary. So if you can think of someone who might or can help even in a part-time capacity please give us your thoughts. It would be great to get two people to share the workload. Next, we are still looking for an Editor or an Assistant Editor for Spark. Mark is prepared to help and show someone the ropes, so it is a great chance to take his generous offer on board and give it a go. Our monthly Saturday morning Working Bee was again well attended by about 35 people and a couple of visitors. In fact, it was so well attended that all jobs were completed early and we were all treated to a very long social occasion over an extended morning tea. If you are not in the habit of attending a Working Bee you don’t know what you are missing, so remember you are all welcome and it’s a great chance to have a leisurely look around Spares and the Library. The next club outing is our annual Daffodil Day Show and Shine which is on Sunday 23rd of August at 10 am in the New World car park Levin. At the conclusion of this event, we will return to the clubrooms for a late lunch and the club will supply a few cakes and a sausage sizzle. Regards
Des St Clare
Chairman’s Report 2019/20 It has been a difficult year but the club has maintained spirit throughout. The impacts of Covid19 cannot be understated. Lockdown saw many events cancelled including the Easter 2020 Rally an event the club only gets the privilege to apply for hosting every 4 years. Many hours of work went into not only organising the event but also sponsors, venues, accommodation and prizes. As I write this report members are still unwinding the event, refunding deposits and sorting out the financial position. Through all this, our membership has remained strong and I am proud to have been Chairman of such a strong and successful club. Individual members have unselfishly given of their time and dedication. There are too many to name, however, I would like to take the time to thank you all on behalf of the club. Your generosity in donating your entry fees and sponsors for donating gifts and money even though the event was cancelled is much appreciated. The past year has been challenging in other ways for your committee. Firstly with Winton compelled to retire from his position as Secretary due to ill health. Thankfully Glenn and Stephanie Peach stepped into the role and have been doing a marvelous job. Winton's health is now improving and we hope to welcome him back at the club as the weather improves. My gratitude to the Committee who put so much time into the club and whose support I can always count on no matter what. Jackie our Treasurer has the finances all under control and always up to date. My appreciation also to my darling wife Pauline who is my rock and enables me to continue in the Chairman's role, even though, in jest I give her a really hard time. The Spares team has their department running like clockwork. Thanks to Callum and his team, this is an important role in providing parts that may otherwise be difficult to source and is a good marketing tool for the club. The annual Swap Meet was again very successful and well-executed under the guidance of Pete Collins and Rex Williams. The Swap Meet was also well supported by Linda Barton and all her helpers, the catering and the kitchen provide a warm and friendly atmosphere. Colin Geange and Bev Gowenlock spent the day ensuring that the gate money was collected and counted. Colin always wears a huge smile when he is counting money. Don and Pauline were assisted by Bev and Pete whenever necessary and have maintained the library while receiving large donations of books during the year. Please continue to use and enjoy this valuable resource. Warren and Julia MacMillan together with Wayne Thrower have maintained the grounds around the clubrooms to a very high standard. The efforts of Linda Gill in organising the raffle supplements the finances and she ensures that members sign-in on club nights. Bruce Lawrie the Club Captain, John White and Bob Barton have organised multiple successful
events. Andrew Judd coordinates the use of the clubrooms including supplies for these events and the clubrooms. Our Spark Editor Mark Gibson produces the monthly magazine and he would like to retire but has unselfishly been carrying on until we get someone to take over. Perhaps we can engage an Editor and SubEditor to split the workload. If you think you could fill one of these positions please contact Mark or myself. I would like to take this opportunity to make special mention of the many hours that Mark has put into the Easter Rally Committee also designing and making the plaque, one of which he has mounted and donated to the club for the rally that never was. Many thanks to Colin and Cheryl Brooks who have made themselves available to help and advise me. Of course the success of these events relies on members' participation and these have been well patronised. During the year we have had changes in club positions and I would like to thank both the outgoing people for their efforts and those that have put their hands up to take over. Unfortunately Glenn and Stephanie Peach have decided not to stand for re-election, this is a misfortune for myself and the club. During their reign as Secretary they have helped and taught me and the club so much. Their expertise and knowledge are impeccable. However, on behalf of the club, I thank them for their help and dedication, I respect their decision. Branch Delegate - Michael Gaffney has retired and John White has stepped into this position. Peter Nightingale has retired from his role of writing the club reports for Beaded Wheels. Bob Barton has taken his position. Last month’s club night went well and despite the bitter cold was attended by 64 members. From June 2019 we have welcomed the following new members; Sandra and Rodney Tombleson, Glenn and Stephanie Peach, Roderick Kinghorn who transferred from Wellington Branch, John Forster, Greg and Margot Oliver who transferred from Taranaki, Ivan Huntley and Linda Lambass, Bryan and Denise Keen, Richard and Sharon Meredith, Roderick and Joy McLeod and David Marshall. Sadly, in the past 12 months, we saw the passing of the following members, Norm Porter who held a 50-year membership badge, died in August 2019, Joan Bishop, wife of Win died 2nd of January 2020,
Moira Peryer, wife of Mick, died 24th January 2020, Raewynn Lawrie, wife of Bruce, died 11th May 2020. Our sympathy goes out to all their families. In closing, I would like to express my privilege in holding the office of Chairman during 2019/2020. I look forward to the coming year with optimism. 2020/21 will be busy and a successful year, I will support the club in any capacity. Regards
Des St Clare Des St Clare
Roster for September 2020 Bill Laney and Denise Liddle, Carl Lutz, Graham Marenzi, David Marshall, Don McAlpine. If you are unable to make it for either kitchen duties on Club Night, 2nd September, or for the Working Bee on Saturday morning 5th September, 9 am till 12 noon, PLEASE let me know on 0274 191412 or desstclare@gmail.com.
Speaker for September 2020 Next month’s speaker is Wing Commander John Lanham of Masterton. He will be speaking on the Vintage Aviation World. This promises to be a fascinating talk! It has been arranged with thanks to Grant Prankerd.
______________________________________ _________________ Now, you listen to me Winton! You do a good job of this Welfare role, or you’ll answer to me!
Hi members, Bob and I have organised a club outing. This is to the Royal NZ Army Engineers Memorial Museum at Linton Camp. We visited there today for a reconnoitre! Very interesting! The museum is a trust and receives no Defence Department support, therefore a charge of $5 per head is requested. The visit will be limited to the first 24 members. This is due to space constraints. If necessary we can repeat the trip next year. They will not do weekends, so the date will be September 16 at 2 pm at the museum. The Army wants the minimum of cars, so it is proposed to take our large moderns up, seating 5 per car! I will have to collect names prior and email them details for security reasons. Bob and I thought our program should be, lunch at Murrayfields CafĂŠ at 12 midday, meet up, get into selected cars with a view to arrive Linton at 1.45pm. The tour will take about 2 hours, back to Murrayfields to collect our cars and home. We need to announce this one at the July/August meetings. Names and entry fee to me by September meeting please. I will then sort the security and payment side of things. Cheers, John White Phone 06 368 3299
MINUTES OF THE AGM OF THE HOROWHENUA BRANCH OF THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NZ HELD AT 14 TIRO TIRO ROAD, LEVIN TH ON WEDNESDAY 8 AUGUST 2020 AT 7.30PM PRESENT: Chairman Des St Clare welcomed 74 members. APOLOGIES: Michael Wintringham, Mark Dunn, Murray Tinsley, Ada and Elvery Hunt, Sandra and Rod Tombleson, Don Meek, Robert Cammish, Chris Winiata, Julie Riepen, Murray Doreen, Ivan Benge, Ivan Huntley, Jeff Fox, Barry Walker. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING: Taken as read and approved John White / Colin Geange Matters arising- nil CHAIRMANS REPORT: Des St Clare read out his report, which will be published in full in the August edition of Spark. TREASURER: Jackie Job presented the accounts to 31 March 2020, and detailed major transactions that have happened in the ensuing months, included the repayment of the Easter 2020 Rally sponsorship and entrants’ fees, and the closure of the separate bank account. The club is in a sound financial position. Colin Brooks then spoke of the work Jackie had done effectively twice, with funds for the Easter 2020 Rally coming in, then the subsequent refunds due to the cancellation due to Covid19. He also mentioned and thanked Colin Geange, Mark Gibson and Linda Barton amongst others for their efforts. There are 31 2020 Rally Plaques still available, please contact Jackie. Appointment of Financial Reviewer: Ian Butcher of Waikanae was reappointed for the third year. Bruce Lawrie / Andrew Judd CLUB CAPTAINS REPORT: Bruce Lawrie reported that it had been a busy 8 months until Covid19. He thanked those who had stepped up to run and organise events. Bruce also requested that we appoint a welfare officer to not only keep in contact with current members, but to look after new members. Bruce also detailed the feedback from the club’s survey and noted that we had a strong presence at events hosted by other clubs. LIBRARY: Don McLaren noted that the library was much warmer thanks to John White’s alterations to the entrance door, thanked Pauline and Bev and Peter Kelly for their help. Whilst the swap meet book sales may not have been as successful as hoped we still have a growing library. ELECTION OF OFFICERS: The following nominations were accepted without a need for a vote: Chairman: Deputy Chairman: Treasurer: Club Captain Committee:
Des St Clare John White Jackie Job Bruce Lawrie Derek Ransom Callum Farmer
Pete Collins Andrew Judd
Bob Barton
Custodian: Beaded Wheel Scribe: Librarian / Archivist: Parts Team: Welfare Officer:
Andrew Judd Bob Barton Don McLaren Callum Farmer Rex Williams Winton Cleal
Colin Brooks Mike Khull
Robert Cammish Jeff Fox Bob Barton
Verdon Heath was nominated by Bruce Lawrie and seconded by Des St Clare to be the official Assistant Club Captain. The positions of Secretary and Spark Editor were not filled. Please contact Des about these roles. ANNUAL AWARDS: Tilson Trophy: Presented to Bob and Linda Barton. Chairman’s Trophy: Presented to Jackie Job Laurie Jenson Award (Club Captains Choice): Presented to Mark Gibson GENERAL BUSINESS: 1. This Sunday there is a casual run for motorbikes leaving the Mall Car Park at 9.00am. th 2. Terry Rush Museum Feilding visit 18 October ($15 entry). Leaves our rooms at 10.00am, early lunch at Wool Shed Sanson, numbers to Bob Barton. It will take around 3 hours at the museum. nd 3. Tararua Trundle: 22 November. 4. Heritage Day: Committee set up and working hard. The club was also shown some flags used at the flag marshal points at the old Levin International Motor Racing Circuit. 5. Callum thanked everyone for supporting the Spares department. He has two containers of Creosote available free of charge. rd 6. Daffodil Day Park up / Show n Shine: 23 August 10.00am New World Car Park. 7. There was a question from the floor on why we were holding so much money in the club accounts, and there was a suggestion it could be gifted to local organisations. It was explained that we need funds in case we had to purchase the land our club rooms sit on, plus we have learned from Covid 19 that events such as our Swap Meet could be stopped at any time, the reserves we currently have would enable us to continue to operate for at least 18 months if we went into another lock down without having to increase membership fees. 8. Another special thanks, to Andrew for “sourcing” the new screen for the club rooms. Meeting closed at 8.25 pm. Next AGM set for 2/6/21
Tilson Trophy Presented to Linda and Bob Barton
Chairman’s Trophy Presented to Jackie Job
Laurie Jenson Award Presented to Mark Gibson
Brucie’s Burblings How lucky are we to live in this little corner of the South Pacific? For those of us who enjoy old bikes and cars we have our forebears to thank for such a varied selection of vehicles that were introduced to this country. They imported cars and bikes from around the world, not limited to vehicles only produced by Britain. This has left us with a virtual kaleidoscope of vehicles for us to own and enjoy today. Even now with the rest of the world locking down or being severely restricted in their movements, we are able to enjoy life as normal. We should make the most of it while we can. At our recent belated AGM Verdon Heath was voted in as Vice-Captain to assist me in my duties. This I welcome as Verdon has a vast experience in the world of vintage vehicles and rally administration. I must also note that the role of Welfare Officer has also been filled by Winton Cleal. Thanks must also be given Des St Clare for his leadership of such a diverse club and its associated challenges. Coming Events: Sunday 23 August – Daffodil Day Show and Shine Levin New World car park 10 - 2pm. At conclusion, cuppa at the clubrooms. Wednesday 16 September – Visit to Linton Camp Museum. Limited numbers. See John or Bob. This is filling up quick! Sunday 18 October – Run to Feilding and Museum. See Bob, more info later. Sunday 22 November – TARARUA TRUNDLE. Utilising the Easter Rally route. More details and Entry Forms to come. The NIGHT OWL Rally was won by Andrew Judd, who also is the Plotter for next year's event. I must also thank our lady members whose brilliant work invariably goes unseen. Stay safe ...see you on the road.
Bruce
Tararua Trundle Sunday 22 November 2020 A portion of the cancelled National North Island Easter Rally will form this year’s Tararua Trundle. This will involve a simple straight forward set of rally instructions that are designed not to confuse or cause arguments! There is no competitive element to this rally. Traditionally the Tararua Trundle was an enjoyable days outing with our cars and fellow members. An invitation will be specially extended to Manawatu Branch who were strong in their support of our Easter Rally. A lunch will be provided by a country school who previously agreed to assist during Easter. We also will keep our side of the agreement to assist the school with our cars on show to their local community. A small fund raising event for the public during our lunch will be held where the school will benefit. This promises to be a great day out driving through our magnificent flat district. There will be a small off road section you won’t have experienced before. All cars will be able to easily negotiate this. Put this date in your VCC Events Calendar now, we look forward to seeing you all. Further detail to be advised. Entry Forms will be available soon. Your Easter Rally Oganising Committee
George did, he’s still pulling his hair out!
The Ford Model Y is mobile, but I’m still not happy with it! I still need more work on it. From what I've read the Model Y was designed and built in Detroit in 1931 as the scaled down prototype for the Model B Ford. Henry then decided to market it for overseas manufacture but not for the North American market. They were assembled in the UK, France, Germany, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. It ran an 8hp motor of 933cc and developed 23.4hp at 4,000 rpm. Cruising speed was 30mph or 50kph, with a top speed of 54mph or 80kph. My Model Y was assembled in August 1937 at the Ford plant in Seaview, Wellington. It was one of the last made before its successor the Model 7Y appeared in late 1937. The number plate, which intimates it was made in 1933 is incorrect. 1932-33 were the worst years of the depression. Was the Model Y designed as a "fall back" to manufacture in the US just in case the sales of the new Model B introduced in 1933-4 were too slow to sustain the company perhaps? In actual fact the Model B sales were a lot higher than forecast, particularly those models equipped with the new V8 motor. You could also buy a Model B with a modified Model A motor as a "cheapie". For an extra NZ 10 pounds you could even get a new V8 motor fitted. The car is mobile and then immobile, off and on, at this stage with the frustratingly usual fuel problem! So I’ve had to push it out of the garage to take these pictures and then push it back into the garage with the Jeep! In addition to this, I've also had to do this four times out on Tiro Tiro Road using the Jeep to tow the car back home due to the same fuel problems. If anyone has an hour or so to spare, I can relate to you all the numerous fuel problems! Latest is the fuel pump pressure is far too high at 10psi. It should be 2psi and floods the carburettor as a result.
The timing needs attention as it’s too far advanced I think? There's a timing pin on the front of the timing cover that is unscrewed, reversed, and poked back through the hole. The motor is turned over very slowly until the timing pin drops into a recess on the face of the camshaft timing sprocket. The distributor body is turned so the distributor points are just starting to open. I'll do that tomorrow. The steering is a bit too slack in my opinion and will need the steering box removed and overhauled. The fan belt was too thin in cross section which slipped. It needed the correct wider belt fitted. This was a bit of a problem to fit due to insufficient clearance allowed between the front crankshaft pulley and front cross member. I found I could just get the belt inserted through the gap by turning the belt on its side and slipping it though that way instead. After driving approximately 1km, the motor started missing and eventually cut out altogether. If left idling when the motor reached full operating temperature the motor cut out. There was sufficient petrol supply and both the main and compensating jets in the carburettor bowl were clean. The problem was a faulty ignition coil which operated okay when cold, but shorted out when hot. That’s replaced now with a new coil and no more trouble. Not happy with the throttle spring tension as too "touchy" in operation. Motor stalls when throttle suddenly opened half way. I'll try increasing the size of the main jet in the carburettor and see if that helps? (An accelerator pump would be better, but that’s not original equipment) The car wasn't equipped with an air cleaner as stock standard, but a moulded plate was placed above the carburettor throat instead. An air cleaner was offered by Henry as an "extra"! My father said in pre-war times the tar seal stopped at Paekakariki and you went onto gravel until reaching Otaki, then back onto gravel again until you reached Levin, then back onto gravel again and so on all the way through to Auckland. Wonder how long the motor would last sucking in all the grit and dirt under those conditions with no air cleaner installed? MAJOR BRAKE ADJUSTMENT: FORD MODEL C and Y The first step is to jack up the car on stands, remove all wheels, brake drums and check the condition of all brake linings. Then check the operation of the brakes internal mechanisms operate satisfactorily. The brake drums can then be refitted, then the wheels. Next, disconnect all brake rods front and rear. Adjust the brakes front and rear individually so the brakes are locked on with the brake adjuster up on the top of the backing plate. Back off each adjustment two clicks and check the wheel spins freely. You may need to operate each brake lever to centralise each of the shoes at this point. Wedge the brake pedal down half an inch. Attach the brake rods one at a time and adjust each rod so a spring balance attached to a spoke adjacent to the rim requires a pull of about 5lbs or 3kg to make the wheel move. This sets the brakes up to be in synchronous operation. There are no brake equalisers fitted on these rod brakes. Be sure to tighten up the brake clevis lock nuts.
Failure to do so will allow the brake rod to "work" between the brake rod thread and clevis, eventually stripping right out with disastrous results when braking! These Ford brakes are badly designed!
On top of the king pin is the brake arm. When operated it rotates a cam pushing down on a rod which passes down inside the hollow king pin and bears down on a floating wedge to push the bottom of the brake shoes against the brake drum. This applies the brakes. Between the bottom of the front axle and the top of the lower stub axle bush is a bronze washer, upon which the weight of the car rests. When the bronze washer wears the stub axle can move up and down. This enables the front brakes to go on or off when applied as bumps are encountered, allowing for uneven and erratic braking. On the rear wheel, a single roller bearing runs on a molybdenum steel extension protruding out of the rear axle housing. When the roller bearing wears badly, it allows the rear brake drum and hub assembly to move in any direction. This can cause erratic braking. This problem can be checked by driving over an uneven surface while applying the foot brake slightly at low speed with hands off the wheel. In the worst case, the wheel can move back and forth as the stub axle moves up and down or the slack in the rear wheel bearing is felt. If wear is suspected, the car should be jacked up and placed on stands. A bar inserted under each wheel to check for any excessive movement vertically.
I have left the back seat out to show the quaint idea Henry had for rain drainage on the two door body! I would presume the same applied to all of Henry's two door models including the V8's? Rain dripped down the rear side windows onto the interior topside of the mudguards and body. Some rain flowed forwards and drained out onto the running board. Some rain flowed rearwards then dribbled down underneath the rear seat and into a depression on the floor. It dripped out 6mm drain holes located on either side and onto the road. Over time, these holes became clogged, blocking drainage and creating small puddles underneath the rear seats. This in turn
rotting out the body! Thankfully, this Model Y must have been garaged for most of its life, as no rust has formed in the floor. There were no drain holes in the bottoms of the doors! Instead, water drained out of the doors between the body skin and the frame. It also dribbled out of the retaining screws holding the interior trim in place! I have now drilled 10mm holes in the bottom of the doors. Slight rust had formed in the passenger's side door. One can only conclude that Henry didn't know rain had been invented! The rear suspension transverse spring is curved to prevent "body shift" when hard cornering, causing handling instability problems common with transverse spring design. This is where the car body moves sideways across the rear axle. This was solved on V8's by fitting a Panhard rod which went from the chassis on one side across to the spring shackle on the opposite side and stopped this problem. This became more apparent with heavier bodies on the V8. The next model after the Y, the 7Y had straight transverse springs as it was thought the lighter body in the smaller car didn't suffer from this problem? I worked on these wretched "beasties" as a Ford apprentice mechanic in the late 1950's and 60's. I’ve become very familiar with all their numerous "foibles" arising from Henry's quaint engineering principals! Ford's came right after 1954 when Henry II finally dumped all of Grandfather Henry's strange engineering ideas! Henry was a farm boy who built cars down to a price! Walter Chrysler was a qualified engineer who built cars up to a high standard. Walter used to send Henry the latest Chrysler model as a gift, "to show Henry how a car should be built!"
W.M. EASTHOPE CYCLE ENGINEER, LEVIN
William Miller Easthope was one of a family of fifteen children. He was born in Masterton 16 January 1883. The Electoral Roll and WWI records help to fill in his career. By 1905, at age 22 years he is a mechanic in Levin. 1911 sees him in Cambridge as a blacksmith striker and by 1914 in Opotiki as a labourer. He is overseas in WWI from late 1916 to May 1919. On the roll for 1928, 1935 and 1938 he is in Wellington as a ‘freezer” and storeman. Tracing his personal shows him marrying on 25 July 1916 in Auckland to Fanny Cox, who had previously married Fred Cox in 1882 (W.M. Easthope was not born until 1883!!). Fanny Cox ran a refreshment rooms in Levin (1905 e/roll) and this may well be where they met. Easthope died in Wellington 12 February 1943 and Fanny Easthope appears on the 1946 e/roll in Levin and a widow. She died 18 November 1950 and they are both buried in the Tiro Tiro Road, Levin Cemetery, Row 28 plots 11 and 12. I think W.M. Easthope’s shop was located in Oxford Street, Levin south of the New Levin Hotel about where the BNZ is located. The shop is very narrow, maybe 13’ or 14’ wide. I can only assume the gent in the suit is Mr Easthope. What year is the bike? What make is it? I don’t know, you tell me please.
Tom Hayes 06 3679445 (With thanks to the Horowhenua Historical Society for permission to use the photograph.)
______________________________________ _________________ Horowhenua Heritage Day 2021 update; The working committee for the Heritage Day met on 21 July 2020. There is considerable progress and a good start has been made. A formal request has been received from the Historical Society for participation from the Vintage Car Club. Participation is - taking part in a parade on Sunday 28 February 2021. Then a display at our clubrooms of vehicles, flour mill and wind mill. An agreement was reached where the town parade would be co-ordinated and planned by the Historical Society and the VCC would arrange the display on the grounds in front of the clubrooms. Some cars will form part of the parade but not all. A show of cars will be on the grounds, which have been booked. There are a number of working displays confirmed and items sourced to enhance the occasion. A monthly update will be provided through Spark.
Originally published by the Sunbeam Car Club of NZ Inc Currently on the Living Channel on Sky, is a very entertaining series running, called ‘Vintage Roads Great and Small’. Members maybe familiar with it? Presently Sky is showing series two. The name is a little tongue in cheek, taken from ‘All Creatures Great and Small’. Of course the two characters featured are Peter Davison and Christopher Timothy the actual actors from all those years ago. Funnily enough, you can recognise them, but they, like the cars featured have got significantly older! Davison and Timothy are travelling historic roads in the UK based on a travel guide from the 1920’s. Their mode of travel is a modern Morgan 4/4. As they go along they meet with various car people and speak to them about their pride and joy. Neither of the pair are very competent drivers and are shown up on many occasions abusing the poor old Morgan borrowed for the series. So far no significant damage is done! However they have bottomed it out and given the gearbox a wee graunch several times. They have attempted a couple of Hill Climbs in a very tame manner. These usually are locations used in the old days and identified in their guide book. On Sunday 28 June 2020 the programme covers several cars they meet along the way. One just happens to be a Series V Sunbeam Alpine. They interview the owner who has restored the car which has been off the road since 1975.
While only interviewed briefly the owner describes how he belongs to a club called the ‘Afro Classic Register’. He describes politely how it is perceived that car collecting is the preserve of the white middle classes. He of course finds it amusing stating he is also middle class and is asked strange questions by the public not necessarily believing he owns the car. A very likeable fellow.
The length of the programme precludes an in depth look at each car they encounter. However I was suitably impressed they took the time to discuss an Alpine when there are so many English cars to choose from. From memory they have met the Jowett Car Club, a Stanley Steamer, several Veteran vehicles and the actual Doctor Who vehicle used from that TV series, a Galloway, a 1909 Commer Omnibus plus many more. Check the programme out, Janet and I are watching it religiously on Sunday nights at 8.30 pm on the Living Channel, 17 on our TV. You can also watch it On Demand. Mark Gibson
Many thanks to Michael Gaffaney and his undated version of ‘Mr Punch Goes Motoring’ Volume XI.
Answer later in this issue of Spark
My Kind of Fishing The rain was pouring down outside O'Connor's Irish Pub. There standing in front of a big puddle outside the pub was an old Irishman, drenched, holding a stick, with a piece of string dangling in the water. A passer-by stopped and asked him, “What are you doing?” “Fishing”, replied the old man. Feeling sorry for the old man, the gent says, “Come in out of the rain and have a drink with me”. In the warm ambiance of the pub, as they sip their whiskies the gentleman, being a bit of a superior smart arse, cannot resist asking, “So how many have you caught today.” "You're the 8th", replied the old man.
Contact rally secretary Lynne Herron on 0272 104 046 or DM https://www.facebook.com/paul.herron.545
Contact rally secretary Beth Taylor for more information - details and entry forms now available at http://vcc.org.nz/resourcesdownloads/rally-entry-forms/
Targa 2020 VCC Time Trial Breaking News The Targa 2020 VCC Time Trial is now being run as two conjunctive events: 1. The 4 day time trial starting Albany, Auckland Thursday 15th October 2020, travelling over closed tarmac road stages to overnight in Whangarei, before returning via closed road stages to overnight in Ellerslie Friday 16th October. 2. A 2 day time trial starting Ellerslie, Auckland Saturday 17th October 2020. This is a totally new event with a significantly reduced entry fee aimed at VCC members who wish to enjoy an outstanding Targa VCC event over a weekend. On Saturday 17th October, both 2 and 4 day entrants travel over closed tarmac roads on the Coromandel to overnight in Whitianga, where all VCC entrants, friends and family are invited to join for a meal together at the Mercury Bay Club and where we’ll also be presenting some fun participation awards. Sunday 18th October will see all of us returning over closed tarmac roads on the Coromandel to event finish and prize giving dinner in Pukekohe. The Targa VCC Time Trial 4 day and all new 2 day event gives VCC members with VCC/VIC eligible cars an outstanding opportunity to test their driving and time-keeping skills over closed tarmac stages, safe in the knowledge that they’re all driving in the same direction from start intervals, with nothing coming towards them. It’s not a race, and no special car modifications (roll cage etc) are required. Entries may be limited, so please contact me asap: Rod Corbett rod.corbett88@gmail.com 027 433 8772, For event pricing and further information please refer www.targa.nz
ANSWER
2020 Library Report The library has become a warmer place since John White fitted the flow through grill in the entrance door. Now the books reap benefits from all users of our fine premises. The available catalogue has grown as books have been donated. There have been some surprises when the sorting is done with others showing up like old friends to join their mates in that precious ‘For Sale’ corner. The swap meet book sale did not produce a great return but we were able to showcase our library. My sincere thanks to Pauline for the fine job she has done with the archives. Also many thanks to Bev and Peter Kelly, they left the library to have a life, but they still keep giving.
Don
There is not a lot to report this month as things have been quiet. However last month’s working bee was a successfully day, with a good trailer load of spares coming from Bruce Hutton of Woodville, being sorted and put away. Winton was telling me on the afternoon of the “Night Owl”, that on a recent visit to Bulls, he had come across an original Indian Motorcycle Sidecar in the Bulls Antiques and Collectables shop on Bridge Street, contact details are below. Bulls Antiques and Collectables 117 Bridge Street 06 322 1518 Members will have to move quickly as Spares has a special offer this month, free to a good home, two containers of Creosote!
Callum
Safe motoring everyone.
Library Merchandise HVCC Dashboard Stickers Iron on fabric badges HVCC blue and white caps Name Badges (fill out form)
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$ 4 $ 3 $10 $12
FOR SALE – 1972 Morris Minor original factory Well Side Utility. 1100 motor. Dismantled and rolling chassis. Requires restoration. Minor surface rust. Container stored. Price negotiable. Contact Stewart Walker (member) Levin. Phone 027 4454156.
Kapiti Coast Mid Week Run (last Wednesday of the month)
Wednesday 26 August 2020 Lunch at Boundary Tap and Kitchen, Raumati We’re delighted that the Kapiti runs are able to start again and Trevor Barnes has arranged our first post-lockdown event. We are meeting at Boundary Tap and Kitchen in Raumati for an enjoyable get-together and lunch. Gather from 11:30 for a midday lunch. If you haven’t ever been on one of these runs, please do consider coming and you will be made so welcome. For the Boundary menu see: https://www.boundarykapiti.nz/ and click VIEW MENU They offer starting and share plates and a main menu with gluten free and vegetarian options. Directions to Boundary Tap and Kitchen: Boundary Tap and Kitchen, 3 Raumati Rd, Raumati Beach, Paraparaumu. From the old main road between the Raumati Expressway exit and Paraparaumu, turn onto Raumati Road and proceed to the shopping centre at the far end. There is a large parking area for the Boundary Tap and Kitchen on the right immediately after the pedestrian crossing. The pub is on the corner. Important: Please let Hal or Ann know by text, email or a call whether you are coming BY THURSDAY 20 August as catering numbers are needed by then. Hal 027 4118162: Ann 027 4731136: or 04 5651162 or ann@annandhal.com
CALENDAR of COMING EVENTS August
23rd
VCCNZ National Day – Daffodil Rally for the Cancer Society. A Sunday Car Show in the Levin New World car park. Start at 10am. Advise your friends to bring their collectable cars and ask other clubs to attend please? Return to the clubrooms at the conclusion for a cuppa. Further detail required, contact John White. th September 16 A mid week visit to the NZ Army Engineers Memorial Museum Linton Camp. Meet at Murrayfields CafÊ for lunch at 12midday. Car pool from there. Names and $5 entry to John White ASAP please. Please see further detail under Notices, this issue. This will be great! rd October 3 Manawatu Branch Swap Meet and Car Show. Open from 7 am. See ad this issue under Coming Events. th October 18 Terry Rush Museum Feilding visit. Entry $15. Leave clubrooms at 10am. Early lunch at Woolshed Sanson. Will take about 3 hours at museum. Names to Bob. th November 8 Manawatu Motorcycle Swap Meet. Commences 8am to 12 noon at Manawatu VCC grounds. November 22nd Tararua Trundle. Will utilise the Easter Rally route. Further detail to be advised. See this issue for update. th December 6 Christmas Dinner Party. Further to be advised. th December 12 40th Anniversary Lake Ferry Excursion. Run by the Sunbeam Car Club of NZ (Wellington). February 28th Horowhenua Heritage Trust Historical Society Parade. 2021 Members required for the organisational committee. See Des St Clare or Tom Hayes. Details to be published when further known. This promises to be a special occasion for the entire Horowhenua Branch. th January 16 Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring. These to 2022 are the new confirmed dates. The organising 21st committee recommend booking accommodation now. Any enquiries to: Bruce Lawrie Phone 027 4762489
ISSN
the print bureau 06 367 9330